Eight years after its original release, “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2: Deluxe Edition” is witnessing a remarkable resurgence in popularity on Steam. This boost is largely attributed to an aggressive promotional discount on the platform, revitalizing interest in this beloved installment of the franchise.

Historical Context and Game Overview

“Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2” was released on February 23, 2016, and represents the fourth game in the critically acclaimed Plants vs. Zombies series. As a sequel to the 2014 “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare,” this third-person shooter allows players to choose between Plants or Zombies in various gameplay modes including single-player, co-op, and PvP. In May 2022, the “Deluxe Edition” was introduced on Steam, adding extra character variants and accessories, which has since become the definitive edition available for purchase.

Record-Breaking Player Count

Recent data from PCGamesN, via SteamDB, highlights that the “Deluxe Edition” achieved an unprecedented peak of 9,086 concurrent players on July 28. This milestone not only surpasses the game’s previous high of 4,888 players at launch but also marks it as the second-most popular Plants vs. Zombies title on Steam historically, trailing only behind the 2009 original game.

Impact of the Promotional Discount

The significant increase in player activity is directly linked to a substantial price reduction. The game’s price was temporarily lowered to $2.99, a 90% cut from its regular price, making it an irresistible deal for both new players and those looking to revisit the series. This discount is poised to end on July 30 at 1 PM EDT, suggesting a possible drop in player numbers following the conclusion of the promotion.

Long-Term Effects and Community Response

While the discount has temporarily boosted the game’s visibility and player base, it remains to be seen whether this resurgence will have lasting effects on the game’s community and ongoing engagement. Previous sales promotions have similarly spiked player counts, indicating that price reductions are a potent tool for attracting players back to older game titles.

Final Thoughts

The resurgence of “Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2” on Steam underscores the enduring appeal of the franchise and the effectiveness of strategic promotions in re-engaging a gaming community. As the series continues to evolve with new entries like “Plants vs. Zombies 3,” the legacy of its predecessors remains influential, drawing in players old and new through compelling gameplay and timely discounts.

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